Book Description
Combining two popular titles in one value-priced edition, Before and After Getting Your Puppy is a simple, practical guide for anyone bringing a new puppy into the home. In clear steps, with helpful photos and easy-to-follow training deadlines, Dr. Ian Dunbar, who pioneered puppy classes and a loving style of dog training in the 1970s, presents a structured yet playful and humorous plan for raising a wonderful dog. The guide is based on six developmental deadlines: completing owner education and preparation, assessing a puppy's prior socialization and education, teaching errorless house-training and chewtoy-training, completing a socialization program of meeting strange dogs and people, learning bite inhibition, and continuing a program of ongoing training. In the first half of the book, Dr. Dunbar focuses on what the owner needs to know to select a great puppy. In the second half, he presents the crucial lessons the puppy must be taught during its impressionable early development — using a kind, positive approach that, over time, has been proven the most effective.
Customer Reviews:
A bit overwhelming.......2007-09-13
This book made me feel a bit overwhelmed. It has been a while since I had a puppy and a dog trainer recommended this book. Dr. Dunbar says you need your puppy to do so many things before the puppy is three to four months old ( ex. Introduce the puppy to 100 people before its three months old ). My puppy was two months old. To make myself less overwhelmed I'm taking one thing at a time and as for the people, there trickling in. I think he means well, he just comes across the wrong way.
Must read for all considering a puppy.......2007-07-20
Dogs and humans alike would benefit greatly if potential dog owners would all read this book! Lots of vital information, well presented, a good read.
Very helpful for 1st time puppy owner.......2007-06-02
I bought this book after reading several recommendations on AMAZON. The book was very informative as to painting a picture of what to expect with a new puppy. Some of Dunbar's recommendations are very unrealistic though. Such has having your dog introduced to many different people every day. Overall, I found it very useful.
Essential Help for You and Your New Puppy.......2007-05-30
I bought this book after reviewing some of the articles on the [...]website, which offers a preview of some of the key points of the book. I did read many of the reviews here and felt that the negative comments were somewhat over-reactive.
From my perspective, the book not only makes sense about how to raise a puppy, but also about how to raise a child! Why waste time trying to teach kids or dogs what is wrong, until they eventually figure out what is right? That seems really inefficient, now that I know the "lure-reward" technique. This technique lets you use the essential nature of the dog to train it to do what you want it to do: pee, chew, and poop where you want it to, for instance. Walk calmly on leash, for another. The trick is to not fall into the trap of thinking that a few weeks of short and long-term confinement is somehow cruel to the dog. Like children, dogs respond quickly to a consistent routine. It DOES require YOU to be consistent and to have discipline, and I definitely figured out where I was being lazy and too lax, and whenever I went back to the tighter crate schedule, things improved immediately. I realized that I confused a few days of successful potty events with "success" in overall training and went from confinement to total lack of restraint, so I referred to the book again and made some corrections.
Here are a couple of tips that helped make this book so useful for me. First, I had a consultation with a pet dog trainer who knew about (and recommended) Dunbar's technique. This really helped me when addressing the issues that I felt were not explained in the book (more on that later). Secondly, while I took Dunbar's stern advice as the kind of advice someone gives to people who might not pay attention...that is, I didn't take him quite so seriously. So, when he says that your dog needs to meet over 100 people in his first month (or whatever), I took that as the general message: socialize your dog as much as you possibly can. We have a really small house and we aren't hugely social, but I was surprised to find that I could make a list of 100 people pretty easily. They haven't all been over to my house, but I've been out and about and exposed my pup to a lot of different people, and I could see the change in about 2 weeks! And, I realized too that this socialization has to continue through adolescence, the difficult stage (again, think of children). I also found that "training" your dog to be OK when you are not around was particularly practical and helpful. It not only reduced my dog's anxiety, but mine as well, since it gave me a method to work with the dog to gradually introduce him to "alone" time, which will definitely be a part of his life. It also helped me to be aware of where I might be inadvertently feeding into the dog's anxious attitude when I returned home (or got him out of his crate).
The sit, lay down trick is a snap and I even successfully tried it on an adult pitbull that wouldn't lay down for its owner!
What I also found interesting was that the tips I learned in the book and shared with my other dog-owning friends helped them when it came to their adult dogs! I think that the Cesar Milan method can be quite effective, but it is based solely on dominance, and the lure-reward method can work wonderfully too in many situations (such as getting your dog to be calm when going on leash and learning to happily sit when greeting people).
Now, for some things that come to mind that I found lacking in the book. First, I happen to have a toy poodle who is bizarrely un-food motivated, and Dunbar doesn't mention that at all. I did learn from other poodle owners that this breed isn't the most food motivated one. I wish he would cover that situation in the book. So, for instance, Dunbar recommends putting all of the dog's kibble in Kong toys, yet if I put all of Buck's food in his bowl, he *still* wouldn't eat even half of it. So, if the open dish doesn't work, the Kong toy is like locking it away! And, freeze dried liver didn't work for Buck either. Advice: get those beef jerky sticks for dogs. Or try cheese. And strangely: Wheat Thins (even my cat loves them). Small bits of hot dog too. (I use this for the poop reward). Even so, all of these favorite items stuffed into a Kong toy won't work for my dog. Maybe when he gets a little older/bigger and I can try it out again, but for now I'm mystified about turning him into a chew-toy-aholic.
Secondly, I would have appreciated more information on the puppy interaction when you have a really small dog, or a really large dog. I think the problems you encounter as a dog owner do vary when you have a "non-average" sized breed. How do you keep your little dog from being completely frightened of huge dogs (and then later turning into one of those yappy jerks)? How do you keep your rambunctious, lovey Great Dane from bowling over the chihuaha? And, when you do finally take your dog to the dog park, how can you as an owner to a better job of evaluating other dogs as potential problems? Most people don't even bother to socialize their dogs, so how do you evaluate?
Finally, while I initially started asking people to offer a treat to my dog to get him to sit, I quickly learned that most every person will use a different visual method in asking the dog to sit, while only using the word "sit." So, it's really too onerous in my opinion to try to get every person to get the dog to sit, since the lure/reward technique of holding the treat over the head works, but most people don't know the signal! So, my dog dances on its hind legs while people say "sit!" and give it the treat because he's so cute. This pretty much has de-sensitized "sit" as a keyword so I quickly dropped the idea of asking people to make him "sit." What *does* work is asking people to offer the dog a treat, since then they naturally great the dog with a lowered hand, palm up, which is far less threatening to the dog and not a dominance display. I am really not going to burden every human social interaction with an instruction on the sit technique that is required. Later, when the dog learns the word itself, maybe then. I feel that in this respect, Dunbar's advice is a bit impractical.
Overall, I am very glad that I bought this book, and it's been an essential tool in my working with my puppy and understanding the nature of dogs.
Thinking about getting a puppy, get this book.......2007-05-09
I read this book twice before even getting my puppy it has been a godsend. Right now my puppy is napping quietly in his doggy den. It has great information for new dog owners and for people who have had dogs for years. The training methods are a lot different from when I had my last dog. The lure/reward way is much easier on the dog and owner. My puppy was a little undersocialized, and information in this book has really helped me to build his confidence. I highly recommend this book, get it if you are even thinking about getting a puppy. It prepared me for all the work you have to do to be a dog owner.
Book Description
Featuring step-by-step photos of every trick in the book
101 Dog Tricks is the largest trick book on the market and the only one presenting full-color photos of each trick and its training steps.? The step-by-step approach, difficulty rating, and prerequisites, allow readers to start training immediately. Tips, and trouble-shooting boxes cover common problems, while "build-on" ideas suggest more complicated tricks which build on each new skill. No special tools (such as clickers) or knowledge of specific training methods are required.
Trick training is a great way to bond with your dog and help him integrate into your family. It keeps him mentally and physically challenged and helps to establish paths of communication between you. Many tricks build skills needed for common dog sports, dog dancing, and dog therapy work.
It's every dog lover's privilege that Kyra and Chalcy took time from their performing schedule to share their secrets in 101 Dog Tricks.
Customer Reviews:
Great pictures.......2007-10-10
This book is really fun to look through. I can't actually say that my dog has learned any of the tricks, but it has been fun trying to teach her.
101 Dog Tricks.......2007-10-10
This is a really well organized book. I find it very helpful. The author has conveyed all of her methodology clearly yet leaves room for the reader to improvise, build and create new tricks. We have and continue to enjoy the book.
Easiest book to understand and actually do/teach from.......2007-09-28
There's a reason for the weimaraner on the cover: they learn exceptionally fast, however this book includes several other breeds. The photos and explanations are top notch minus a comment of poor taste which I wouldn't share with children or would intentionally overlook, change the page, ignore due to its content. Hands down, this is the best I've seen and the tricks are well organized, broken down into steps that are learnable. Don't leave the book near a puppy while you're not looking. Ours has been chewed a bit due to the frequency with which we refer to it! and it got left within reach of pup. It's a great coffee table book too, but then, if you're training your pup, and the tricks are endless, you'll never get bored--it's just a question of how much time do you have? your dog will be the show piece. Don't forget to charge admission.
Buy three copies... I'll tell you why..........2007-09-24
I suggest buying 3 copies of this book... not 1...
First, because its a great coffee table book... hey, Chelcy (the author's dog) is a Weimeraner - - and both are very photogenic - - on top of it, the graphic design and lay-out of the book are not only sensitive and informative, but very visually appealing... You can feel the excitement and enthuisiasm
Second - - its a fantastic reference book... and the idea of thinking "tricks" instead of cut and dry obediance I think is great for both the trainer and the dog. Though most of the tricks do have elements of obediance to them, they are presented in a way that makes training your dog more fun and lightharded and you're not thinking, "good dog"/"bad dog"/"leash correction" - - In fact, I like the way the author not only has troubleshooting tips for each tricks, but will even give some ideas how difficult the trick is, what tricks need to be learned first, and how long it takes some dogs to learn. - - Also, all descriptions use simple, practical and effective language... The descriptions match up with the photos and the points are gotten across in a way that communicates the ideas to you and teaches you to teach them to your dog.
Finally... buy a third copy because... some dogs *cough* have tendencies to nibble on certain people's reading material, especially when allowed in the bed. (o.k. that's an obedience issue.)
As for the tricks, they range from basic sit/stay/rollover agility type tricks - - to classics like "bring me a beer"/"bring the newspaper" as well as a few parlor tricks/routines. The book also explains standard hand signals as well as commands.
Incidentally - - there I would like a refund for 2 of the tricks. One involves the human doing a handstand, the other a cratwheel... Trust me, if you're the "bring me my beer" trick type, you won't be doing those two...
All in all, this is one book that lives up to its own hype! Highly recommended!
Great dog trick training.......2007-09-19
Very good instructions with clear illustrations. Have done about a half a dozen so far and my dog caught on very quickly. Lots of fun.
Book Description
When you acquire a new puppy you need to meet six developmental deadlines before your puppy is five months old. "AFTER You Get Your Puppy" covers the last three developmental deadlines.
4th Developmental Deadline: Socializing Your Puppy to People - Your Most Urgent Priority is to socialize your puppy to a wide variety of people, especially children, men, and strangers, before it is twelve weeks old. Well-socialized puppies grow up to be wonderful companions, whereas antisocial dogs are difficult, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. As a rule of thumb, your puppy needs to meet at least one hundred people before it is three months old. Since your puppy is still too young to venture out to dog parks and sidewalks, you'll need to start inviting people to your home right away.
5th Developmental Deadline: Teaching Bite Inhibition - Your Most Important Priority is that your puppy learns to inhibit the force of its bites and develop a "soft mouth" before it is eighteen weeks old. Whenever a dog bites a person or fights with another dog, the single most important prognostic factor is the degree of bite inhibition and hence, the likelihood and seriousness of injury. Accidents happen. Someone may tread on the dog's paw, or a child may trip over the dog while it's gnawing a bone. A dog may snap and lunge at a person when hurt or frightened, but if the dog has well-established bite inhibition, it is unlikely the dog's teeth will puncture, or even touch the skin.
6th Developmental Deadline: Continuing Socialization in The World at Large - The Most Enjoyable Priority of dog ownership is to introduce your well-socialized puppy to the world at large. Your dog will only remain sociable and confident if it continues to meet and greet at least three unfamiliar people and three unfamiliar dogs every day. Meeting the same people and dogs over and over again is not sufficient. Your dog needs to practice meeting, greeting, and getting along with strangers, not simply getting along with old friends. Regular walks with your dog are as essential as they are enjoyable.
Customer Reviews:
Informative and easy to follow.......2007-03-13
I am on the verge of getting a puppy, so all this is in theory as of right now, but the book was very informative. The author delivered the information in a easy to read format The socialization and bite inhibition sections were particularly useful. After reading this book I feel like I am better prepared to be a new dog owner.
Excellent Preparation for A New Puppy Arrival.......2006-02-25
This is a book I read cover to cover and took many reference notes. It deals with understanding the new puppy and preparing him for socialization with people, vets and other pets. With the skills taught in the book, the puppy can grow into a well-trained adolescent and into a well-mannered adult.
Took the fun out of having a puppy..........2005-12-27
I bought this book because it was referenced on the Dog Scouts of America website, which is a site dedicated to developing positive relationships between owner/dog. I was so disappointed when I received the book, from the moment I got a good look at it's cover and read the subtitle ("...The Clock Is Ticking!"), which I had missed when ordering the book, or I would have thought twice about buying it... This book turned having a delightful puppy into a race against time to prevent having an evil, rotten dog. It took all the fun and optimism out of raising my puppy. I'm glad I stopped reading it, and looked to more upbeat sources for advice on raising my puppy. Many of these sources I found on the internet. I looked to Karen Pryor and her clicker training theories, as well as such books as "Boxers for Dummies" and "The Boxer Handbook" and "I Just Got A Puppy What Do I Do." All these emphasize the power of bonding with your dog, the pleasures of socializing your puppy, and while they don't downplay the significance of socialization, etc. they don't turn the cute puppy you have just made a part of your family into some ticking timebomb set to go off and bring nothing but pain and misery if not socialized absolutely correctly. I grew up with dogs, in a time before "socialization," in a time where you just loved your puppy, and took him places, and tried your best with him/her, and those dogs all turned out fine. I am grateful for all the information that we have these days on how to better raise a puppy to be a happy well adjusted pet, and am doing my best to put that information to good use on my own Boxer puppy.
New puppy help........2005-09-14
This book was very helpful with my new German Shepherd puppy, evn though I already have 3 other dogs, it's nice to read new/different styles and ideas for giving your BIG dog the right start.
A must-read for anyone who has a dog or wants one.......2005-08-20
Funny, straight-forward, and full of brilliant advice so intuitive it seems obvious once you've heard it, this book will change your relationship to your dog. I have one dog I "trained" before I read Dr. Dunbar, and one I trained after, and the difference between the experiences was night and day. You'll be forever grateful that you read this book, whether you already have a dog or, ideally, if you're thinking of getting one.
Book Description
How to select the right breed of dog for you and your family, locate a good breeder, and choose the very best puppy of the litter.The decision to buy a purebred dog may be made easily, but the question of which breed to buy is more complicated. Your Purebred Puppy, Second Edition, takes the guesswork out of choosing a dog. Updated to include twenty new breeds, this authoritative guide profiles 200 breeds and varieties of dogs-complete with photographs of each-to help prospective buyers find the one with the physical and behavioral characteristics that will best suit them. Michele Welton explains step by step how to decide on the right breed, locate a reputable breeder, and pick a healthy, good-looking, good-tempered companion. Also provided are simple tests readers can use to determine a puppy's temperament before they buy him and bring him home. Acquiring a dog is a big commitment, requiring time, patience, and money. Your Purebred Puppy, Second Edition, is the essential guidebook to accompany you on the search for your new pet.
Customer Reviews:
informative.......2007-01-11
has great info about buying from good breeders. im much more comfortable buyig a dog now.
your purebred puppy secon edition.......2007-01-10
This book is great, it gave me alot of information I was not aware of. It has helped me narrow down breeds I would like. It also gives alot of questions to ask that I never would have thought of
Exactly what I needed.......2007-01-09
This book is very well written and the perfect guide for picking the right breed for you. My thanks to the author for doing the research for me and making it understandable.
An excellent choice!.......2007-01-04
Reading Michelle Welton's book is like going to a good friend and saying, "What do you think?" She doesn't pull punches, she gives sound, reasonable advice, and yet she manages to discuss the hows and whys of purebred dog shopping without sounding condescending. So many other purebred books read like PR press for a given breed, putting a positive spin on everything and downplaying the various pitfalls inherent. Michelle candidly explains the pros and cons, and her advice about what to look for in a breeder is sound reading for breeders and shoppers alike.
Even though we have two dogs and are not looking to get another right now, I still sometimes enjoy picking up this book and thumbing through it. In addition to the overview, Michelle gives historical information on each breed, and it's interesting to learn how various breeds came about and why they were bred the way they were.
Overall, I think it's an excellent book. I highly recommend it.
Taken with a grain of salt, this is an absolute must!.......2007-01-02
My husband and I were shopping for our first dog together and I really wanted to make sure that we got the right dog for us. I am involved in and have many vet friends, and vet tech friends who are involved in rescue. I know how many dogs end up in rescue or worse, because a family just can't handle the choice they made.(Often based on looks or childhood ideals of a breed). I definitely did not want to have to give up my dog, or live with a dog that just didn't fit in my lifestyle. I did not want my dog or myself to be miserable. So I started looking for a book that would help me make the right choice for our family.
This book is a gold standard, which you should try to follow as best as you can, but use your own common sense. While there were one or two things I did not agree with on diet recommendations and pricing, 99.5% of this book is amazing. It helps size you up, narrow down a list of breeds, and is honest about pros and cons, not like a sugar coating, rose colored glasses description that many breed clubs or breeders might be entitled to tell you.
It also tells you how to find breeders and properly screen them, including questions, and red flags to watch for. It even helps you to screen puppy personalities and read health clearances.
This is an absolute must for a prospective dog owner, it will ensure that you get the right family member and secure a relationship that will last a lifetime.
Book Description
When you choose a new puppy, you need to meet six developmental deadlines before your puppy is just five months old. "BEFORE You Get Your Puppy" covers the first three developmental deadlines covering the period of puppy selection until your puppy's first week at home.
1st Developmental Deadline: Your Education About Puppy Education - Before you search for a puppy you need to complete your education about puppy education. You need to know how to select a good puppy and how puppies work. Selecting a puppy is similar to selecting a car: Do lots of research beforehand and "test drive" a wide variety. But first, you need to learn how to drive.
2nd Developmental Deadline: Evaluating Your Prospective Puppy's Progress - Before you choose your puppy, you need to know how to assess your prospective puppy's current socialization and educational status. Regardless of breed or breeding, if socialization, housetraining, and basic manners are not well underway by eight weeks of age, the puppy is already developmentally retarded.
3rd Developmental Deadline: Errorless Housetraining & Chewtoy-Training Make certain that an errorless housetraining and chewtoy-training program is instituted from the very first day your puppy comes home.
Customer Reviews:
Dog ownership for the Control Freak.......2006-12-10
I bought this book before getting our puppy. It seemed okay, but after getting our little dog, I realized that I could easily turn our darling, smart little dog into a neurotic mess if I followed the advice in this book. Why would you want to confine your brand new friend to a crate almost non-stop except for small intervals of extremely controlled interaction with you? And the point that he repeats incessantly about one housetraining mistake being a catastrophe is ridiculous. Our dog did have accidents when I wasn't as vigilant as I should have been, but now she is completely housetrained. It just takes time for the dog to physically mature and learn how to signal that she needs to go out. I would not reccomend this book at all. If you want to connect with your pup, go for clicker training.
Good content and arrived quickly.......2005-09-30
I bought this book because my puppy obedience class uses the sequel "After You Get Your Puppy." I wanted more details on how to "crate train" and this book has that. I wish I had actually gotten this book before we bought our puppy because it describes good things to look for in the puppy you choose, which would habe been helpful.
A Lifesaver for You and Your Dog.......2003-06-26
What a difference this book makes! When we got our first dog, we suffered through accidents on the floor, chewed shoes, coats, cushions -- you name it -- because we didn't know what to do. I read this book before we got our second dog (a companion to our first), and it was amazing! With the Errorless Training system Dr. Dunbar recommends, the new dog didn't chew a single bad item (he loves his chewtoys and chews only them) and didn't have a single accident in the house. And the errorless system was incredibly simple to set up. I recommend this easy, owner-and-dog-friendly book to everyone I know. Although it says "Before you get your puppy," this book is completely relevant for adopters of adult dogs.
This book is a goldmine for a new puppy owner........2003-02-24
If you are even thinking of ever getting a puppy or adopting a dog, please buy this book first. It covers everything you will need to know to raise a happy, well manered dog. If more people read this book , there is no doubt in my mind we would have fewer dogs in shelters. This book is part of the solution to animal over population. All breeders should send this book home with their puppies. On top of all of the great information this book provides, it is also easy to read with lots of entertaining pictures. A joy to read!
good book for the working couple/family.......2001-11-06
Will all the "fanfare" about Ian Dunbar I was expecting great things from this book but instead was disappointed. It is a good book for the "working outside of the home couple/family" but not for someone looking to devote their days to raising an intelligent, loving companion.
This book to me, did not read easily and I didn't not agree with many suggestions in it. If you are looking for an easy-to-read, wonderful, funny, well-written, detailed puppy training book, get Mother Knows Best by Carol Lea Benjamin.
Book Description
A Welsh Corgi pup named Mail Order Annie honked car horns, vanquished baby gates, schemed after cookies, donuts and room-service sandwiches, starred at STAR TREK conventions...and charmed everyone she met. But charm doesn't mean a puppy won't eat the kitchen walls!
Best-selling author-turned-trainer Howard Weinstein tells Annie's story in a truly universal dog book, and shares his hard-won expertise --
Giving new pup-owners training tips and a clear idea of what to expect from life with a wonderful dog, including "Puppy Prep 101" and "Puppy School 202" --
Helping current dog-owners get the most from the human-canine relationship --
Sharing stories to touch the hearts of all dog-lovers.
Written with a journalist's eye for truth and detail, a novelist's story-telling skills, and a professional trainer's practical observations and experience...
Straight from Annie's heart to yours!
Customer Reviews:
A Must for new puppy owners.......2007-07-14
Wonderful book with many common sense tips for the new dog owner, but do be prepared with tissues as it will make you cry. It will make you laugh as well though. I wish I had bought this book before I got my puppy
A wonderful addition!!.......2006-06-27
This item arrived quickly and in perfect condition. It has been a great joy to read and the photos are enchanting. A must read for every corgi lover!!!
A memoir to a beautiful and courageous corgi.......2006-04-10
As an owner of two lovable welsh corgis and past owner of one who is enjoying life over the Rainbow Bridge (probably frolicking with Mail Order Annie) this book was an absolute joy. The personalities of Corgis are so similar and yet each had its own quirkiness. The story of Annie's demise was so similar to what we experienced with our Indy it was a stirring and poignant memory. Indy also died in our arms on the way to the vet. Indy was also bred at Terenelf. I hope everyone has the experience of life with a dog, it is as rewarding and joyful as Mr. Weinstein beautifully illustrates.
insightful book for dog owners and dog lovers.......2005-05-26
...What really amazed me was how well Mr. Weinstein captured Annie's personality and spirit, and truly brought her to life on every page...
As more people read this book, I predict that a new word will creep into the lexicon...the "corgi-cule," defined by Mr. Weinstein as "the smallest particle of food still discernable to the eyes and/or nose of a Welsh Corgi -- and often too small to be detected by humans (or, possibly, even electron microscopes)."
It is moments like these -- or when his 4-year-old neighbor tells her parents that the stars are Annie's footprints going to Heaven -- that make you laugh and cry and truly touch your heart...
This is a wonderfully insightful book for new puppy-owners, especially Corgi puppy-owners...
The funny thing about Annie is that she was no more special or
extraordinary than my dog or yours. But what Mr. Weinstein manages to do is write the beautiful memoir that I would want to write for my dog.
Heather Gilpatrick, Maryland
(reviewed in THE TIDE, newsletter of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of the Potomac)
We Love Mail Order Annie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-05-16
My son and I read this book shortly after we received our first little Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Minnie and we fell in love with it, just as we have with our little Min Min!!. The book is a wonderful story of Mail Order Annie and her owner, Howard. It is amazing just how smart and special Pems are and Howard tells the story wonderfully with a great amount of cute photos of little Annie. If anyone is considering getting a Pembroke (or if you just love wonderful dog stories), I whole-heartedly recommend Howard's book!! You will soon realize how these little sweetiepies can touch your heart and never let go.....Thanks so much, Howard!!
Book Description
First published in 1995, this authoritative book has helped nearly 40,000 families raise healthy, content pets. Packed with illustrations and photos, it explains how to keep puppies healthy, put them through basic training, correct behavior problems, and integrate them into family life.
Since the initial publication, coauthor Sarah Hodgson has become the media's favorite puppy expertâa dog trainer who writes for The New York Times, appears on the Rosie O'Donnell Show," the "Today Show," and other programs, and even helped Katie Couric choose a puppy."
Customer Reviews:
Very helpful information........2005-08-02
This book has very accurate information for training your puppy and very accurate medical information. I would recommend it.
It really works.......2004-08-02
Our new baby responds to the instructions in this book wonderfully. I was worried about getting a dog, but the results we are getting by following the instructions presented her have made me really glad that I finally got a dog. I could not be more greatful for such a good instuction manual.
Great for the beginner!.......2004-07-09
I've been training dogs for 10 years, and I have recommended this book to all of my puppy owners! It's a great way to get through the first year of puppyhood, and have a dog you'll be proud to call yours. All of my students have found the information easy to understand, the methods easy to use, and the results are wonderful!
Repetitive, dangerously confused, and irritating.......2003-09-09
It's easy to read, and has a few good tips, but overall I found this book very poor. The training section is broken down into stages for different-aged pups, which sounds like a good idea until you realise that training principles are the same at any age, and therefore each chapter is exasperatingly repetitive. Along with the wide spacing, big headings, short paragraphs and abundant meaningless pictures, that makes for a remarkably uninformative book. There is no discussion of major controversies such as positive versus force-based training or natural versus dry feeding; the author's preferred technique is presented as the only option and areas of huge disagreement among trainers are not even flagged. Evidently Hodgson's style appeals to some; I found it irritatingly condescending, bubbly and saccharine. Finally, the book is dangerously poorly edited: on p. 128 Hodgson says: "Don't give him free access to water yet, or he'll turn into a fountain"... then on p. 155 DeBitetto says: "Puppies need a lot of water, and restricting it can put your puppy at risk of dehydration. The only time water can be safely witheld is at night." The health section was better-written and much more informative, but you'd still be much better off buying one good training book and one good health book.
Fantastic Book!!!!.......2003-03-29
This book is great! It gives good insight to what the puppy is feeling and has broken down training and behavior patterns by the pups age. The book also provides good detail in health maintenance for your dog as well as a typical puppy schedule! I found the schedule to be very helpful in planning my day in order to give my pup the most attention.
Amazon.com
This should be a prerequisite for any potential puppy owner. Authors John Ross and Barbara McKinney provide essential information on the preparation and selection of your puppy, as well as the best way to care for and train your new pet. Puppy Preschool traces the puppy development process from birth through the age of 18 months. In this thorough guide, the authors--dog training experts--explain all the details of making the most of your puppy experience. Sections include "Ten Best Breeds for the Home," "Safe (and Fun) Toys," and "Introducing Basic Obedience Commands." Also included are chapters on health and grooming, housebreaking, and preventing unwanted chewing. Full of photographs and written by obvious dog lovers, this easy-to- follow, straightforward instruction book gives potential puppy owners a lot to consider before purchasing a furry little friend for the family.
Book Description
No home with a puppy should be without Puppy Preschool.Congratulations! You have (or are thinking seriously of raising) a cute new puppy. He's warm, cuddly, great to hold and pet-- and simply a lot of fun.But watch out! Your adorable ball of fur can be a doggone handful. Given half the chance, he may take it upon himself to eat your furniture, terrorize the kids, dig up the garden, jump on your friends, and eliminate at the most inappropriate times.Let's face it, sometimes what you get raising a puppy can be a "dog's breakfast"-- a mixed bag of happiness and hassle. In order to make it through puppyhood with your sanity still in tact, you need to enroll your pup in Puppy Preschool.Here, in Puppy Preschool, John Ross and Barbara McKinney, the country's foremost dog-training experts, reveal the benefits of early training in this definitive guide devoted exclusively to the trials and triumphs of puppy rearing. Puppy Preschool rewrites the rules on puppy training. While previous training books begin their programs when the puppy has already reached four months of age, Puppy Preschool begins educating and disciplining at just eight weeks old, the time when most puppies are brought into their new homes. Using surefire, revolutionary techniques, Ross and McKinney provide a much-needed head start on good behavior. They offer essential training rules that will be useful throughout your puppy's formative education, including information on:* The right breed for your family or your lifestyle* The ten best breeds for the home* Early leash and collar procedures* Housebreaking* Preventing unwanted chewing* Health and grooming tips* Emergency care* Essential puppy-training equipment and safe, fun toys* A breakdown of puppy development from birth to eighteen months* The best ways for small children to interact with puppiesdn0Based on the same training philosophy presented in their classic book, Dog Talk, of raising your dog from a "canine point of view," Ross and McKinney give easy-to-follow training techniques that will make puppy rearing a great experience for everyone involved.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome book w/ great ideas.......2007-05-14
These guys really know what they are talking about and have helped us immensley with our new puppy. We have even gone back and had to re-read several of the sections because they were so useful.
awesome.......2007-04-09
I have read 5 different dog / puppy books and several magazines. I think this is definately the best I've read so far. It teaches you how to be the pack leader ... too many books gloss over that completely. The books I've read before haven't really addressed the fact that dogs don't think the way people do. For some reason, Americans are always trying to humanize their pets... they treat them like little people, thinking dogs understand or think the way we do. Wrong! The result - most 'American' dogs are badly behaved - and end up unwanted. I've noticed that Germans have very well behaved dogs and people don't get rid of / or give up their pets like Americans do. I think it's because Germans treat their dogs like dogs, not like little people. Get this book BEFORE you get a puppy and study it!!! You will be happy and your puppy will be happy. Remember, if you aren't the pack leader - your dog will assume the role (whether he wants to or not... someone MUST be the pack leader, even if it has to be the dog). If it isn't you, you'll end up miserable (because your dog is out of control) and so will the dog... because you just might end up getting rid of him. And you'll be missing out on a great relationship with your canine companion. Read this book to get you off on the right start, ... then follow up with Dog Talk.
Help that came just in time.......2007-03-25
I love this book!!!! My first puppy was driving me crazy!!! We just could not understand each other. My mom recommended Puppy Preschool, and it was a life saver. We just got another puppy, and I re-read the book. It gives a ton of insight on the way a puppy thinks. It is extrememly helpful, even for those who think they already know. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to follow. John Ross's own personal experiences are nice examples for his points and also funny. I would not get a puppy without this book.
We gotta get it right this time!!.......2006-03-04
We had a Cocker shortly after we got married,followed by a Dachshund,another Cocker then a Lhasa Apso/Poodle .During that time we raised 3 children who have now given us 8 Grandchildren between them.So you'd think at 70,we know about all there is to know about kids and dogs,so did we.We lasted about 7 months and finally broke down and brought home Bailey.She is Yorkshire Terrier/Toy Poodle.The mother ,the Terrier,weighed about 9 pounds while the father ,the Toy Poodle ,all of 3 pounds.It looks like Bailey will top out at 5 to 6 pounds.After living with dogs for so long,and being without one for a while,it's wonderful to have one back in our lives and home again.
With all our experiences over the years you'd think that this little squirt would be a piece of cake.Let me tell you,what we got here is not only a cross between a Terrier and a Poodle ;but a cross between 9 pounds of love and 3 pounds of dynamite.
It didn't take long to convince us that we better do things right,because after consulting all the actuarial tables,both for dogs and humans,it is highly likely that she'll outlive us and have to take care of us in our twilight years.
Therefore,no more operating off the cuff;we got this book and are now learning how to do it right.The book is first class and I can attest already that the author knows what he is talking about.At this stage of the game we won't be having any more kids,but if we were ,I'd check to see if he's written one entitled "Kid Preschool".
The author makes one point perfectly clear, and that is that the relationship between both you and your dog will be a lot happier if you apply what is in this book.
A fabulous training resource!.......2006-02-07
I bought this book prior to purchasing my first puppy Zora. Although my family has had dogs all of my life, she is my first dog, and as she will be a part of my life for many years, I really wanted to learn everything that could help makes those years fun and enjoyable for both of us. I must say this book is indispensible! Author John Ross clearly has a great passion for dogs. While he is a strong advocate of positive training, he also believs that negative behavior should be humanely repremanded. His training techniques are very logical and use a lot of plain common sense. He addresses several dog training myths that even the most experience dog owners may fall prey to. What makes this book stand out is Ross's obvious love for his dogs, and all dogs in general. He promotes responsible dog ownership and encourages training one of the ways to be a responsible pet owner. 60% of all dogs in shelters are there because of behavior problems. Ross's theory is that most of these dogs wouldn't have to be there had their owners takes the time to properly train them. What makes this book a true classic is Ross's method of presenting his information. he is a truly gifted writer who is a joy to read. His writing style is warm, readable, and full of amusing anecdotes. This book is a true gem and I would argue also a must for all dog owners.
Book Description
Give Your Yorkie the Best Possible Care—for Life!
As a caring Yorkshire Terrier owner, you want the best for your pet. But you may not know all the special steps you need to take to raise a happy, healthy Yorkie.
Your Yorkshire Terrier's Life was written with one purpose in mind—to give you the most up-to-date information and guidance you need about the health, nutrition, training, and care of your dog. Reviewed by a nationally known veterinarian, this book shows you how to give your Yorkshire Terrier the best life possible—whether you've just welcomed a new puppy into your family or adopted an older dog.
Includes a special training section written by renowned training expert Liz Palika.
Inside—What Every Yorkshire Terrier Owner Wants to Know:
·Is a Yorkshire Terrier the right dog for me?
·How do I choose the best food for each stage of my Yorkie's life?
·Do Yorkshire Terriers make good companions for children?
·How often should I groom my Yorkie?
·What's the best way to house-train my Yorkshire Terrier?
·Will my Yorkshire Terrier get along with my other pets?
·How do I ensure that my Yorkshire Terrier gets the best-possible medical care?
Customer Reviews:
Very little breed specific information.......2006-12-20
The fact that this book is mostly made up of generic dog information is only part of the problem. I picked up this book because I wanted more information on Yorkies specifically. Since Yorkies are so small, there's a lot of stuff that may be different when caring for them as compared to, say, a Golden Retriever. Don't get me wrong; much of that kind of information is universal, and it is helpful to know the things that apply to all dogs. But this book is being sold as a book about caring for Yorkies, and that is what I expected. There are many generic dog care books out there, and frankly, many of them are much better than this one.
Aside from that, this book is poorly written and edited. I found many grammatical and syntactic errors in the first few chapters.
I also have Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies, and I think it is a much better book than this one. Choose that one instead.
Your Yorkshire Terrier's Life.......2006-03-22
Great book for anyone who is planning on getting a Yorkie and an awesome reference for you after you get your Yorkie !! I have had my 2 Yorkies for 4 weeks and have referenced it MANY times. I highly recommend it.
Your Yorkshire Terriers Life.......2006-03-15
Alot of good information I didn't know. Very helpful for someone who has never had one of these unique little doggies.This book probably helped to save my puppies life by describing symptoms of a genetic disease common to Yorkies I kept persuing answers to my dogs unusual behavior. He eventalyy was diagnosed with a liver shunt and under went surgery 2 weeks ago. All is GREAT now.
A lot of health information........2004-06-22
I found this book to be helpful. I am not yet a Yorkie owner but a Yorkie owner in training. This book has a great deal of health-related information about Yorkies, including the standards tips for raising a puppy vs. an adult dog. It was very similar to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yorkshire Terriers, by Liz Palika, which I liked better for the information regarding potty training and obedience training.
Clear advice for new Yorkie owners.......2004-04-09
I've been researching purchasing a Yorkie puppy (as a pet and companion not to show or breed) and this is the best of the books on caring for the breed that I've read thus far. I started with Janet Jackson's book and the Complete Idiot's Guide to Yorkshire Terriers by Liz Palika. Both are very good, but I found Gewirtz's book to be more thorough for my needs. It doesn't just stress the importance of socialization or obedience training, but tells you the right age to begin these processes. Also, the information is presented in a clear, well-organized fashion. It's simply easier to find the information you need. Obviously, you shouldn't just buy one book on the breed or raising your dog, but this should definitely be on your list.
Book Description
Thanks to pet care expert Elizabeth Randolph, you can happily raise your puppy without pain. Month-by-month, you'll not only learn the specific physical and psychological changes your pet is going through, but you'll also discover the best times -- and methods -- to successfully train your puppy.
Customer Reviews:
IT works!.......2000-07-27
This book has been very helpful in our quest to raise a great puppy. The month by month instructions provide a good framework for you to learn about what and when your dog is doing. So far so good.
Books:
- Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog
- Best Loved Little Golden Books 6 Copy Boxed Set: I Can Fly/Mister Dog/Baby Farm Animals/Jolly Barnyard/Happy Man and His Dump Truck/Color Kittens
- Big Cats (Wildlife)
- Biological Science, Volume 3: How Plants and Animals Work (2nd Edition) (Biological Science)
- Blue Horizon
- Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
- Color of the Sea
- Cracker!: The Best Dog in Vietnam
- Cracker!: The Best Dog in Vietnam
- Curious Lives: Adventures from the Ferret Chronicles
Books Index
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Care & Health
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks
The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs
The Power of Positive Dog Training
Doctor Dunbar's Good Little Dog Book
How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With
